India vs South Africa: Netizens hail Sai Sudharsan, ‘AA Pace Batteries’ after Men in Blue’s dominant win in 1st ODI

India pulled off another dominant victory over South Africa in Johannesburg on Sunday, albeit in a different format, winning the ODI series opener by eight wickets with more than 33 overs to spare.

Pacers Arshdeep Singh (5/37) and Avesh Khan (4/27) led the way for the Men in Blue, accounting for nine of the 10 South African wickets that fell on Sunday with left-arm quick Arshdeep winning the Player of the Match award.

All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo (33) and opener Tony de Zorzi (28) were the only ones to offer any meaningful resistance to the red-hot Indian attack as South Africa were bowled out for a meagre 116 after opting to bat in the ‘Pink ODI’.

Sai Sudharshan (55 not out), donning the blue Indian kit for the first time in his career, and senior batter Shreyas Iyer (52) would then slam half-centuries and add 86 for the second wicket as the KL Rahul-led side chased down the target in just 16.4 overs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

India’s performance, from that of Arshdeep and Avesh’s fiery spells to Sai Sudharshan’s superb debut, did draw praise on social media with Netizens applauding the Men in Blue for such a dominant display despite not having several first-choice players in their XI.

Quick Reads

View All

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

Here are select reactions to India’s clinical performance at the Wanderers:

SAI-ght to behold! 👌

Can we get a 💙 for the ping Titan? 👇#AavaDe | #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/QaSxmd7NyG

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 17, 2023

A memorable 50 on debut for Sai Sudarshan! Congratulations @sais_1509 . Has grown strength to strength in his career. Onwards and upwards! #INDvsSA

— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) December 17, 2023

Special day and occasion for not just Sai Sudharsan but to the entire Tamil Nadu cricket fans across the globe. Go well @sais_1509 #SAvIND

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 17, 2023

Stepping onto the international stage is an unparalleled feeling. You deserve every bit of it, @sais_1509.
Cherish every ball, every run, and make it a memorable one! 🌟🏏🇮🇳#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/fRz8Xo0gPK

— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 17, 2023

Huge victory this by team India. The bowling was exceptional. Sai Sudarshan made the most of his debut. Looked so comfortable at this level. #SAvIND

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 17, 2023

The AA Pace Batteries 🔋🔥#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/IQZSMjVacs

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 17, 2023

Everything reminds us of this 🫣#SAvIND #ArshdeepSingh pic.twitter.com/Zs9Km4ovMZ

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 17, 2023

Not a great #PinkDay for the @ProteasMenCSA. #SAvIND

— Vincent Barnes (@VincentBarnes60) December 17, 2023